CBD and Thyroid Health

Thyroid conditions can affect people at any age and gender. In fact, did you know nearly 200 million people throughout the world suffer from some form of thyroid condition? While there are many medications to help aid these conditions, recent studies show that CBD could also be a solution.

What is CBD?

If you aren’t already informed about CBD, it’s important to understand what the molecule is and how it works in general prior to learning about how it can help specific ailments.

CBD (or Cannabidiol) is one of over 100 compounds in the cannabis or hemp plant. CBD is an anti-psychoactive. There are two groups of cannabinoid receptors inside the body; CB1 and CB2. The CBD molecule helps activate receptors in the body, such as adenosine, serotonin and vanilloid. These receptors help the body produce dopamine (which regulates mood, memory and pain perception) and glutamate (which helps with brain cognitive function in the body).

The Thyroid

The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the body. It is responsible for releasing hormones which control critical aspects of our function, such as metabolism, brain development, body temperature and heart/muscle function. If it releases too much (this is referred to as hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism) hormone, it can cause major damage in terms of organ functioning aid (and overall health).

Thyroid Conditions

There are multiple disorders that can be developed. Some of the most common include:

Thyroiditis – inflammation of the thyroid from swelling or autoimmune conditions

Thyroid storm – a rare and extreme form of hyperthyroidism

Thyroid nodules – lumps on the thyroid that could lead to excess hormone production in the body

Thyroid cancer

Thyroid Goiter (inflammation of the thyroid)

CBD for Thyroid Conditions

Most of the body’s thyroid function is regulated through our immune system. The immune system has a high quantity of CB2 receptors – cannabinoids actually help modulate the function of our immune cells – which CBD is responsible for interacting with. This means that by working to improve your immune system, CBD could also help regulate function.

Additionally, by controlling the release of critical receptors in the body (such as adenosine, serotonin and vanilloid, as we discussed earlier in the article) which help produce things like dopamine and glutamate, CBD could help the thyroid balance hormone release.

Finally, CBD is well-known for being an anti-inflammatory. As it interacts with the CB2 receptor, CBD can help reduce pain and inflammation in the body.

If you have further questions about CBD, contact us! We’re happy to help.